Wednesday, February 21, 2007
North Korean refugees
This article comments on the increase in North Korean refugees in the South. Currently 10,000 refugees are in South Korea and this number is expected to double in the next five years. The article went on to state that North Korean refugees encounter a great deal of discrimination and prejudice while adjusting to life in South Korea. Given what I perceived as a general sentiment in support of eventual reunification (or at the very least a feeling of connection – by familial ties, bloodlines and a sense of ethnic solidarity) held by South Koreans, I was surprised to read that North Korean refugees are met with such discrimination. I understand the drain on South Korean resources and the economy as a factor in wanting to control immigration, however, the drive for ethnic solidarity always seemed stronger to me. Thoughts?
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4 comments:
My boyfriend and I went to a newly-open lounge bar called Hanbando (The Peninsula) when we were studying in Seoul for three months last summer. The reason we visited there was to meet with North Korean defectors since the bar has singing/dancing shows by North Korean performers who fled to South. It was "interesting" but at the same time quite I felt uncomfortable about the fact that we were objectifying North Korean dancers in such a way. Here's my boyfriend's blog entry on Hanbando (including directions of how to get there), if you are interested. It's worth visiting if you get a chance.
While Koreans do view themselves as being "han minjok," it is sad to say that when they start thinking about their pocket books the tune changes. The majority of Koreans do want unification, but opinions vary as to what degree of unification the two Koreas should have. Some are even fine with a two-state system with increased contact between both sides. As the older generation passes away it will be interesting to see what kind of unification policy will be pursued.
The discrimination problem that North Koreans face in South Korea is another problem that needs to be resolved (but difficult considering the fact that South Koreans themselves face discrimination or discriminate against others within their own society). If you attack the Koreans, they will rise up in passionate defense as a group that can't be broken. However, without a strong unifying cause, they are an extremely fractured group (at least in my opinion).
In response to Grace's comment, I do think that the notion of "han minjok" can be one of the most powerful tools (that fits within the Confucian tradition emphasizing bloodlines) used to unify Korea if/when reunification occurs, especially given the human connection lessens given the generation gap that you mentioned.
I think reunification and assimilation are different. As Jamie mentioned, of course, the concept of "han minjok" is one of the most important factor to achieve unified Korea. However, we have to understand and acknoweldge that the south and north have been separated for more than 50 years without interactive exchanges. In addition, North Koreans in the South before reunification and those after reunification are sure to be different to those in the South.
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